Search and rescue personnel looking through the rubble in Caracas, Venezuela for potential victims after the double earthquakes hit on June 24. — AA/VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's leadership on Thursday has sent messages of condolences to Venezuela following the devastating double earthquakes that have killed scores of people.

Speaking to the media at a regular press briefing in Hà Nội on Thursday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng said after being informed of the June 24 earthquake, on June 25 Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm sent a message of condolence to the Acting President of the Republic of Venezuela, Madame Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez.

During his official visit to Venezuela, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Việt Nam Lê Hoài Trung also conveyed his condolences in person, Hằng noted.

Asked by reporters about what kind of support for Venezuela Việt Nam is planning, Hằng said that given the excellent traditional friendship between the two countries, Việt Nam stands ready to provide appropriate support and assistance to Venezuela.

As for Vietnamese citizens who may have been affected by the earthquake, according to the most recent update provided by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela, Vietnamese nationals currently residing in the country have remained safe.

"The Vietnamese embassy in Venezuela is working closely with relevant authorities in the country to closely monitor the situation and calmly provide assistance and citizen protection measures, in case there ar Vietnamese citizens affected by these earthquakes," the diplomat said.

Hằng added that if Vietnamese nationals have a request for emergency assistance, they should immediately get in contact through the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela's Citizen Protection Hotline.

According to the latest figures from Venezuelan authorities, as of Thursday afternoon, at least 164 people have died and 971 others have been injured after the country's strongest earthquake in more than 100 years.

The magnitude 7.5 quake struck less than a minute after an initial magnitude 7.2 tremor, hitting several areas of the Latin American country, including the capital city Caracas.

Russia shopping centre fire

The spokesperson was also asked to provide updates on the Vietnamese traders at the Sadovod shopping centre in Moscow, following a fire that was allegedly caused by a drone attack earlier this month.

Hằng confirmed that the fire has affected "a number of Vietnamese owned businesses."

Immediately after the incident, the Vietnamese embassy in Russia sent officials to the scene to communicate with the shopping centre management to assess the situation, offer encouragement and prepare timely support measures for those affected by the fire, the diplomat said.

The affected individuals have been provided with temporary stores and facilities to continue their businesses. — VNS